Older Honda Accords

ardethan · February 2002

Hi,

I'll be leasing a new Accord EX some time in the next week or two.

I'm wondering, is a V6 worth the extra couple of thousand in purchase price? All things equal, I'd prefer a manual transmission (not avail on V6), but it's not that big a deal to me.

Also, I'd appreciate advice on the availability of EX-manual, EX-auto and EX-V6. Are they all available in high numbers, or are some of them fairly hard to find?

BTW, I'm in Seattle.

Thanks!

qwalls · February 2002

190k is nothing for a Honda. I just sold a '91 last year with 208k miles, original engine and tranny. The only reason I sold it was that I got a good deal on a '93 with half the miles. I sold it to a friend at work, and it now has 218k miles, and is still going strong. Anyway, oil changes every 3k until 150k miles, then every 4k miles. Trans fluid change every 30k miles.

zorglub · February 2002

FWIW, I sold a few cars through Yahoo classifieds, and that was relatively painless. 2 weeks ago, I sold a Civic DX Hatchback with 135,000 miles in 2 days.

Private sale is problematic when you have a hard to sell car, but if you are selling a Honda Accord, that should be a piece of cake. If you can get another $1-2K out of it, it should certainly worth your while.

ArdetHan: personally, I opted for the EX 4 cyl as it had enough amenities and horsepower, but that's a personal opinion. Honestly, the 150 hp are more than adequate for everyday driving. I took mine up to Tahoe loaded (3 adults, 1 toddler, skis on top and a trunk choke full of stuff) and had no pb doing 70-75 going up. So, it comes down to whether the additional 50 hp and other goodies that come with the V6 are worth $2k to you.

My 2 cents.

canadiancl · February 2002

The 4 is adequate if you do almost all city driving. But the V6 is much more pleasant for highway driving, especially with hilly terrain. PLus the V6 comes with some goodies not available with the 4, such as side airbag, traction control, five-bolt wheels, gas struts for the hood. (I'm quoting Canadian specs. US versions may differ)

tcpip1 · February 2002

I just followed the maintence schedule on the user maunal. All the major jobs are done at local Honda dealership.

The clutch is excellent on my car, even better than the engine. I can feel the engine has aged, but not the clutch. I got about 30 mpg on 95% highway driving (I calculate it on each fillup).

I am waiting to see the 2003 Accord. I am interested in the rumored Accord Wagon.

robertsmx · February 2002

US Accord EX comes with almost everything that EXV6 does (including side airbags, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, ...), but traction control is standard in V6 models, homelink transmitter and steering wheel audio controls are additional standard items on EXV6. And then, you Canadians also get heated seats (mirrors?) etc. right?

canadiancl · February 2002

we do get the Homelink and steering wheel audio controls on the EXV6 in Canada. The SE V6 is the one without the Homelink and steering wheel audio controls. We get heated mirrors for all Accord models, heated front seats in all but the LX.

mmx6 · February 2002

If you do, can you tell me if your automatic transmission downshifts too easily and too often around town? The shifts themselves are not rough (that was the complaint with all past Accords) but this lack of logic strikes me as indecisiveness, and the longer the drive, the more annoying it becomes. These traits might be less apparent on V6 versions since they have more torque and are probably programmed to downshift less. From the posts on Yahoo message boards, I'm getting the impression that Honda's automatics don't last too long either.
And does anyone know if it's possible at all to firm up 1. the gas pedal and 2. the steering effort?

sobers · February 2002

Honda trans performs well when driven in a 'bit' aggressive mode! GIve it some gas & you will be fine. It is more like manual trans & all Honda auto trans shift 'more often' than other makes.

samv3 · February 2002

Would appreciate if anyone can tell me how to check air leaks through the windshield. I had my windshield replaced but i can hear a different noise like air coming from outside but very hard to find out by using hand while driving. Can anyone give me any guidance on this.

Thanks

jrct9454 · February 2002

I replied to this on the other board...try using lengths of tape on the outside seal of the windshield. Keep moving it around until you find the spot causing the problem.

robertsmx · February 2002

I've a '98 Accord (EX/65K miles, automatic), and IMO, it is as good as it can be. I like to see it shifting more often, after all it is doing what it is supposed to do. In simple words, I would say it is flawless.

tntitan · February 2002

I have a 2000 Accord SE with 27,000 miles. I do a lot of short trips (5 miles to work) and have decided to start doing some of my own routine maintenance. Although I have changed the oil and filter every 3,750 miles, I am not sure what kind of filter I have been getting. I am going to start using Purolator Pure One oil filter and Mobil 1 synthetic. I plan to have my dino oil tested and then test my Mobil 1 after 7,500 miles. If I don't like the results then I plan to change the filter every 3,750 and the oil every 7,500. I am also getting a K&N air filter. Is this a feasible plan? I welcome any feedback from people with experience in using synthetic oil in your Honda.

By the way is the oil filter on this particular model easily accessible? What kind of filter wrench would you recommend? I was planning on the cap wrench but am wide open to your experience and wisdom.

jimjet · February 2002

Great idea to go to synthetic oil and change it yourself - get to know your car a little better that way. I suggest using 10W-30 grade Mobil 1. This was recommended to me by a lubrication engineer. The thinner 5W-30 (or less) is recommended by some car companies, but that is for better mileage ratings, not for long-life. I have an '86 Accord that I have changed every 10K miles for the last 15 years mostly using Mobil 1 (under $4/qt at Walmart). I've also used Havoline synthetic where ever I find it a little cheaper - $3.30 qt. It seems of equal quality. My car still gets 36 mpg - excellent, but I've never abused the engine. As for oil filter, consider the standard Honda filter - it's not too expensive. I switch between it and Fram. I just twist them on and off by hand (no wrench) - don't over tighten. Getting to the filter can be a chore - you'll have to jack-up one side of the car. Hey, once every 10K is often enough. Good luck.

tntitan · February 2002

I am just not comfortable with Honda/Fram filters after what I have read here - especially if I am going for an extended interval oil change. I like the idea of the 5W-30 synthetic but don't want to overextend my oil changes until I can get an oil analysis.

Small dilemna there. Where do I get an oil analysis? What does it cost? What am I looking for when I get it?

jdx11379 · February 2002

I have a 2001 Accord EX V6 sedan that I got in July 2001 for about 22,500 (not including taxes, fees, etc.)in the Chicagoland area. I am extremely happy w/ the purchase but the shifting of the transmission is somewhat annoying. The engine will go up to about 3000 rpm in first gear and then shift hard into second. Does anyone else have this problem with their V6 Accords and has anyone found a remedy for it? Or does one just drive the car more aggressively as suggested in an earlier post? I suspect that the tranny might be geared this way because the VTEC engines make most of their power in the upper ranges.

fxashun · February 2002

MORE power up higher in the rev ranges but many people come in here and act like they make NO power in the lower ranges. What's up with that? If you'd see a torque curve of most V-tech engines you'll see what it also does is broaden the torque curve from the lower end. It feels like there's fewer ponies down low because the V-tech stretches the band until the high torque "peak" of the racier high rpm cams come on. That's why Hondas with lower HP ratings are just as fast as some cars with much higher rpm ratings. The power is all throughout the rev band instead of being concentrated at some "peak" HP rating.

bobistheoilguy · February 2002

To answer your questions about oil analysis, here is a site I set up to address everything on oil analysis.

http://theoildrop.server101.com/whatisoilanalysis.htm

Also, why not use the mobil filter with the mobil oil. I have seen the mobil filter to work exceptionally well. I change my oil and filter when I change oil, which varies according to my driving. I just changed it at 11,780 miles on my oil(and filter) this last time. usually I do it 5-8000 miles. Kinda got lazy and was doing a lot of over the road driving. My analysis showed oil was still in good shape and could have gone farther.

bobistheoilguy.
Lubricant Specialist

ps, I don't normally look at this thread, was passing by and saw the same question on another thread (oil changes).

larryb12 · February 2002

Hi. I just signed a deal yesterday to buy a 2002 Accord EX Sedan with 4 cyl with 5 speed (Std cloth interior) and will pick up later this week. This will be my first Honda and my final choice was down to the Accord and the VW Passat , but that is another story. I love the way the Accord drove and felt except for the leg room while driving. My legs (mainly my left leg for the clutch) felt like they were very close to steering wheel. This is even after having the seat as far back and low (power height adjust only on this model) as it goes. As well as, having the tilt wheel in the upper position. I'm only 5'-11" so it is not like I am atypical. I asked the salesman if there was any stops in the seat tracks put in for shipment (car still had plastic covers over seats, wheels, etc.). This particular Accord was built in Japan but I assume there are no differences between the American and Japanese built Accords. I'm pretty sure once I drive the car a while, I'll get used the driving position if there are no solutions to found. I was just wondering if others noticed a similar leg room annoyance and if there is an easy solution.

donsexvl · February 2002

I have a 2002 Accord V-6 with automatic transmission. When the vehicle is cold and move the selector from park to reverse, I hear a metallic thud. If I put the car in neutral and then into Drive you can feel the car go into gear and then about 3 seconds later you hear another click. If I again put it into reverse, I hear a metallic thud again. It sounds like it's coming from the CV joint, not sure though. Is the linkage adjustable on these vehicles. The car has 1600 miles on it and started doing it maybe 400 miles ago. Havn't taken it to the dealer yet. As the vehicle warms up, it seems to be less noticeable. Also, if my foot is on the brake HARD, it dramatically reduces the noise. Any sugguestions???? Thanks

postoak · February 2002

That's weird. I'm 6'1 1/2" with my height more in my legs than in my torso, and I have to adjust the seat forward 2 or 3 inches on my 2002 LX V6. Have you sat in any other Accords to see if they are the same as yours?

canadiancl · February 2002

I have a 2001 CL-S. Every morning when I back out of the garage, if I have the window open I can hear a clunk when I go into reverse from park. I don't hear that delayed click you mentioned though.

larryb12 · February 2002

Thanks for your response. The only other Accords that I tried were in the showroom. Both were coupes (6 cyl, leather, auto and 8 way power seats) and both had plenty of leg room. I find it hard to believe there is any design issue and hopefully there is something preventing the seat from being move back and/or seat lowered as far as it should on the car I'm buying. Not sure if the 8-way power seats in your LX-6 give more adjustment range. BTW- I did notice in one publication that the coupe has slightly more leg room than the sedan ( 42.6" for coupe vs 42.1" for sedan).

nofeer · February 2002

Any INfo?

my 2cents about the dx and lx. the extra of the vtec is worth it, though more power, vtec more effecient when accelerating, i got much better milage with my vtec, then dx engine.

postoak · February 2002

I forgot to mention that I have a sedan.

pmarvin · February 2002

What's up with HandA? They used to be well thought of on this list. I ordered some parts for my wife's Odyssey at Christmas and everything was fine. I went to their web to order some stuff for my 2001 Accord. They only list oil filters in maintenance parts. I've e-mailed them twice in the past two weeks for info on air filters, wiper blades, etc., and they haven't had answered either time. Are they still in business? Does anyone know?

ickes · February 2002

I just got a hat from them. It took a while because I entered some incorrect info on the order form. Trying to get a response to inquiries was impossible, so I just re-ordered the thing.

As for the '03, it is amazing that no one has seen a pre-production car around. By now they have to be running some preproduction mules at Ohio, doing cold and hot weather testing, etc.

diploid · February 2002

I think the name says it all...an oil filter isn't what I would call an accessory.

accord2001 · February 2002

Hi I bought my honda accord around july, and i really love the car... right now i only have 8700 miles on the car, but the problem was starting to surface, around the engine area.. you see i live in san francisco area, and it get pretty cold like around 35 to 46 F, in the morning. so everytime i try to start the engine it is like hesitating to start, like almost 3 to 8 second cranking to start the engine, but after that it's normal, it would start right alway, it's just the morning i'm having trouble starting the engine, and i even left the car to the dealer over night, and they have no clue, and i tried the dealer accord same model.. and it doesn't have any problem starting their car though... But in warm weather the problem is not there, or less cranking start like 2-3seconds... please help,is this normal? Does anybody out there having same hard time trouble starting engine in winter? or in warm winter? please help, curious.. thank you

diploid · February 2002

http://mag-x.com/scoop/accord0202/index.html

carguy62 · February 2002

I have no idea if this is applicable to your situation but one thing I like to do is prime the fuel pump prior to starting. I accomplish this by turning the key until all accessories are on, wait about 5-10 seconds and then crank. See if it helps.

If you feel you are having a problem and your dealer won't address it, my advice would be to find another shop.

jrct9454 · February 2002

Remember, this is supposed to be a depiction of the Type-R, and my guess is you'll see a different look for North America. But I'm more interested in the continued speculation that hp on the new 4 cyl could get upwards of 170+ hp. IF that is the case, and IF they FINALLY do something about the road noise in this car, they will have a real winner.

After spending a day and 100 miles with a 2003 Corolla LE automatic, I'm here to say two things:

-the Corolla is in a completely different class from anything that has worn this badge before...tight, quiet, roomier, a complete package.

-the car we drove was every bit as quiet on the road [unless you got into it full throttle, in which case the engine noise is still there to be heard loudly and clearly] as our '01 Accord EX V6. This means Toyota knows something that Honda needs to learn...or hopefully HAS learned for the new Accord. We came this close [---] to buying the Corolla...I want to wait to see what Honda does with the new Accord in the fall. Keeping my fingers crossed...

ickes_in_mn · February 2002

The car shown in the pics at Max-X and TOV are likely the European and JDM car. The NA model is typically larger and more conservative. The pics are better than some we've seen, however.

carguy62 · February 2002

My father has a '99 Corolla. Nice enough, but hopefully you are right about the more room in the '03. I'd imagine someone might have a little problem going from an Accord to a Corolla with the interior room of the previous generation.

I must have bad hearing, when I had my '01 EX V6, I felt that vehicle was as quiet as a mouse.

storyteller · February 2002

Over on the Subaru boards we just went through this process of sweating out a new model release. Mag X sketches of the 2003 Forester turned out to be pretty close to reality. These Accord sketches remind me of the look of the Mazda 6, albeit with very different headlights.

fxashun · February 2002

But then I found that I can't drive it. Being 6 foot 6 I can't fit behind the steering wheel. But it is a nice looking vehicle. I also notice one glaring cost cutting move. No more Independent Rear Suspension. Not for me.

jrct9454 · February 2002

...for anyone much over 6'. I'm just short of that height, but have long legs, and I just fit in the Corolla with the LE's seat set at max height to help get me that much further away from the pedals. For me, the main issue is the location of the dead pedal - in jumping back and forth from our Accord to the Corolla, it was really noticeable how much closer the left foot "resting space" is in the Corolla. The only way I could be comfortable is to put my foot into the body of the footwell, rather than resting against the dead pedal. This is one reason we decided to wait to try the next-gen Accord before we make a final decision on what to buy next.

Funny thing is, the new Camry does not hold the same appeal to me that the new Corolla does - the smaller car feels much more solid and vault-like, with a feel not unlike our last C-Class. Steering feel reminds me more of Honda than any previous Toyota. In every respect except sheer power, we think we could be very happy with the new Corolla, but a 2003 4 cyl Accord could be even better, especially if they can get the car somewhere in Toyota's neighborhood for cabin quiet - I'd settle for 90%. Despite the measures taken in our '01 Accord to quiet things down, it still remains less refined than I think the car deserves...nothing a few sheets of insulation wouldn't fix if applied in the right places. We'll see how it goes with the next-gen Accord...

porknbeans · February 2002

I agree with storyteller, the front end grille looks like a Mazda 6 with the headlights coming from the Nissan Altima. The rear is the more distinctive feature of the car although IMO it looks too rounded, like an old Lexus coupe.

That aside I'll be happy to take one for a ride when they come out. Wife wants a new car and time is on my side. Now if I could just decide between a sedan or the new crossovers that are coming out.

donsexvl · February 2002

Dropped off the vehicle yesterday at the dealer. They said they were evaluating the noise. Dealer called this morning and said clunking is normal....they checked a 1/2 dozen new cars on the lot and said they all do it. This is B.S.!!! When my car was new it didn't make any noise. Anyone else having this problem, have you been told it's "normal"? Anyone have any recommendations on the path I should try to get the transmission replaced? Thanks

jfavour · February 2002

I have a 2000 LX-V6 and my check engine light has come on for the first time since I bought the car. It started at a gas station about two weeks ago, as I was filling up the car, the pump didn't automatically shut off and it overfilled the gas tank. I knew this may cause a problem, and sure enough, the next day my check engine light came on. After about three days it turned off. Then yesterday the light came back on. My question is this: I have 35,600 miles on it right now. In a few weeks I will be out of warranty. Should I get this thing into the dealer before then to have it checked out? Would this be a warranty repair? I have three cars right now so I could park it until I can get an appointment.

fxashun · February 2002

But I owned a Vigor that had a clunk when it went into reverse. I thought is was normal. Sounded kinda like a manual tranmission. Is it a metallic sound? Does the transmission work well other than the clunk?

donsexvl · February 2002

To "fxashun": other than the clunk the transmission seems fine. Very disappointed that they refer to this as "normal". I've got a '93 Taurus with 150,000 miles that makes less noise!!

Your Vigor, how long did your transmission clunk, and did it last a long time? Let me know...thanks.

fxashun · February 2002

I wanted a 5 speed. But the tranny worked fine. I'll be the first one to say fix it if it's wrong but some things are just the way they are. I am the biggest Honda fan in the world but I just don't like the way their automatic shift. We had a EX-V6 coupe and I'd rather drive my old Civic cause it was a stick. I seem to recall that car had a "clunk" sound going into reverse too. After the Vigor, we chalked it up to Honda transmissions cause otherwise the car was fine.

Maybe it is normal. Maybe not. But if it only happens at the moment that the car actually shifts into reverse, and car actually goes backward when you want it to, I would just chalk it up to Honda because it IS doing what you wanted.

tigerjon1 · February 2002

I recently took our 99 4-cyl to Jiffy Lube to have an oil change. When I got it home I noticed there was a very small drop of oil on the ground. For the next few days everywhere I'd go there would be a drop on the ground. I took it back to Jiffy Lube thinking the drain plug or filter wasn't tight enough. The guy showed me where it looked like it was leaking up under where the tranny meets the block(so you can't see where it's actually coming from). He said it looked like it needs a new gasket(an expensive job). I talked to my mechanic about it. He said he had a friend that had the same problem simply because some bolts holding the oil pan to the block came loose. Anyone ever come across something like this?

auburn63 · February 2002

3 years 36,000 for most everything so yes I would call and make an appointment and keep the mileage down to be safe. Our dealer is not totally stuck on the mileage thing but some are. Probably going to be related because there is a few valves that do not like fuel saturation and when they get wet they can cause a P1457. Could also be un-related and be another problem so thats why you need to get in while in warranty. Good luck.

stevem327 · February 2002

Don:

I have a 2001 Accord (4 cylinder auto) and it has always made a metallic click/clunk type of sound any time I shift it into or out of Reverse. I read on this board several hundred messages back (or it might have been some other Honda message board) that this sound is something engaging or disengaging and that it's perfectly normal.

When you talk to the dealer are you talking to the sales people or the service people? If every Accord on their lot makes this sound, then they surely should know what the heck it is (the service guys should know anyway). If not, you might want to try another Honda dealer or contact Honda directly out in CA.

Sorry I can't remember the thing that's engaging/disengaging and causing that sound.

fxashun · February 2002

I didn't mind it. Kinda made my honda unique. Ever hear the funny sound that Chrysler products make when going into low gear? I bet they get a lot of questions about that. But it's normal.

canadiancl · February 2002

You mean the sound of auto parts bouncing off the pavement?

fxashun · February 2002

inkie · February 2002

LOL

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